Including Set Screw Patents (Class 403/362)
  • Patent number: 6532711
    Abstract: A bar connection or splice and method uses a cage of relatively short bars which may be smaller reinforcing bars or threaded bars or rods. The bars of the cage may be joined by rings or wires and clamped to bridge or lap aligned bar ends. In one form, the concrete may be cast directly around to cage and bar ends to form the equivalent of a butt joined lap splice. In an enhanced form, the cage is included in a sleeve and set screws clamp the bars, cage and sleeve together. The sleeve may be filled with a hardenable matrix such as resin or grout, and then concrete is cast around the connection. The number of sets screws and bars of the cage may vary widely to form vertical and horizontal splices of axially aligned bar of the same or transitional sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Gregel, Louis J. Colarusso
  • Patent number: 6519910
    Abstract: A mast for a carrying system has carriers which can be vertically moved by way of a runner guided on the mast and which are used for holding stage-related implements. The mast includes several tube sections of the same diameter which are aligned with respect to one another, and an interior tube piece by which the tube sections are connected with one another at a boundary. The interior tube piece is a sleeve which is slotted along a surface line, thereby defining a slot, and is penetrated by at least one pressure screw which acts by way of a pressure piece with a convex outer contour upon counterpressure pieces. The counterpressure pieces also have convex outer contours and are provided at edges of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Karsten Gierss
    Inventor: Karsten Gierss
  • Patent number: 6517030
    Abstract: A versatile sway brace fitting, includes a pair of spaced jaws, for firmly and deformingly gripping a brace, and a method for manufacturing the fitting. The fitting can withstand substantial loads and is adaptable to receive a variety of braces such as bracing pipes, angle irons, channels, plates, among others. The fitting includes a set screw, preferably angled, and a sharp-cornered recess which assist in resisting withdrawal of the brace from the jaws. The method of manufacturing is desirably simple and expeditious, thereby ensuring that the fitting is inexpensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Tolco Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard W. Heath
  • Patent number: 6488439
    Abstract: An adaptor for a ceiling fan downrod which uses a pair of concentric cylinders with a larger cylinder capable of receiving a large downrod component and a smaller cylinder capable of receiving a smaller downrod component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Prime Home Impressions, LLC
    Inventor: Robert W. Lackey, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6457898
    Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting an ultrasonic transducer to a transducer fixture of an ultrasonic inspection system. The assembly includes a male connector element including a protrusion having a circular cross section and a mount for connecting the male element to at least one of the transducer and the transducer fixture. The assembly also includes a female connector element including a recess sized and shaped for rotatably receiving the male element protrusion to releasably connect the male connector element to the female connector element and a mount for connecting the female element to at least one of the transducer and the transducer fixture. In addition, the assembly includes a fastener mounted on at least one of the male and female connector elements for releasably fastening the male connector element to the female connector element to retain the male element protrusion in the female element recess and to prevent the male element from rotating with respect to the female element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James M. Donovan, Patrick J. Howard
  • Publication number: 20020136599
    Abstract: Electrical device that can be snapped onto a support rail by means of a compression spring 20 orthogonal to the length of the rail and arranged in a cylindrical housing 15.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Patrick Comtois, Jose Garcia, Patrick Larcher, Alain Moreux
  • Patent number: 6444941
    Abstract: An electrical discharge machining system including a fixture for the post which allows the post to be mounted and clamped thereto in a precise predetermined position thereon whether the post has a round cross-sectional configuration or a polygonal shape thereto. In a preferred form, the fixture includes a bore for a round shaped post having an indexing pin which seats in a groove formed in an upper surface of the fixture and is clamped therein by clamp members actuated by cam clamp operators. The clamping of the pin in the groove keeps the post rigid and stationary relative to the fixture to provide for improved results when the electrode is subject to machining operations. In addition, because the clamping mechanism herein does away with the previously-described hydraulic clamping device utilized with prior fixtures, there are no hydraulic lines or connections that have to be set up and maintained to provide an easier-to-use fixture for use with the tool holding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony A. Russo
  • Patent number: 6439797
    Abstract: A fastener which includes an inner collar having an axial bore and a retractable projection projecting into the axial bore when the fastener is in a locked position and retractable out of the axial bore when the fastener is in a retracted position. The inner collar further has a tapered indentation in the outside surface. The fastener further includes an outer collar having an axial bore, the outer collar placed uniaxially and slidably over the inner collar and having a movable protuberance extending into the axial bore of the outer collar. The movable protuberance is shorter axially than the tapered indentation in the inner collar and is positioned in the tapered indentation. The fastener is in a locked position when the outer collar is in its resting position relative to the inner collar in which the movable protuberance is resting in the deepest portion of the tapered indentation. The fastener is in a retracted position when the outer collar is moved axially out of the resting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: John G. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20020098036
    Abstract: A screwing device is described that contains a drive housing tube nut to be screwed onto a control rod drive housing tube of a nuclear power station. The drive housing tube nut has an axis of rotation. A locking pin is disposed into the drive housing tube nut. The locking pin is disposed inclined radially to the axis of rotation at an axial inclination angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the drive housing tube nut. The locking pin is further oriented such that one component of orientation of the locking pin points in a tangential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Reinhardt Strobel, Friedrich Leibold
  • Patent number: 6394465
    Abstract: A clamping device (1, 25, 35) for releasably clamping an insertion member (9, 27, 38) with a shank portion, the clamping device comprising a clamping member having an insertion bore (11, 26, 40) formed by the union of an access bore portion (19A, 31A, 41A) and a gripping bore portion (19B, 31B, 41B) for the free sliding insertion into and withdrawal from the shank portion in respect of the access bore portion and its clamping by a clamping surface of the gripping bore portion on its forced displacement thereinto from the access bore portion, the access and gripping bore portions having longitudinal axes (20A, 20B; 32A, 32B; 43A, 43B) spaced apart at least along a portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: E.T.M. Precision Tools Manufacturing, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hanoch Guy
  • Patent number: 6394693
    Abstract: A fixing clamp for a tensioning rope is proposed, where a clamping screw presses the tensioning rope against an abutment surface in friction-tight fashion. The abutment surface is formed by the bottom of metal bracket (10) bent in an approximately V or U shape and located in the mount (8) of a plastic housing. The clamping screw (14) reaches through the wall of the housing (1) and a nut (13) fixed in non-rotating fashion by the upper, bent ends (11, 12) of the legs of the metal bracket (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Reiner Müller-Peddinghaus
  • Patent number: 6374772
    Abstract: For use in bird enclosures or the like, a perch holder that serves to mount a perch on or within the enclosure. The holder consists of a base unit with attached mounting devices to secure the holder to a bird enclosure. The holder has a longitudinal hole therein that accommodates one or more hollow inserts that serve to decrease the diameter of the hole to allow using perches of various diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Elwood Brandt
  • Patent number: 6375382
    Abstract: A compact, streamlined crank assembly for use on the splined shaft of a casement window operating mechanism includes a tubular body with an ovoid socket in the bottom thereof for mounting the body on any one of the shafts of various window operating mechanisms. A handle pivotally mounted on one corner of the body is stored in a trough on the top end of the body, or the handle includes a trough complementary to the square cross section top end of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Alain Clavet
  • Publication number: 20020044822
    Abstract: A detachable connection of first and second hollow shafts having first and second end faces is provided by axially inserting the first and second end faces into one another, wherein the first end face has an inner annular flange and the second end face has an outer annular flange. The annular flanges overlap one another when inserted. The inner annular flange has several radially displaceable locking bolts. The locking bolts have first locking bolt ends facing the outer annular flange and second locking bolt ends threadedly guided in the inner annular flange. The outer annular flange has locking bushings for the locking bolts. The locking bolts have a central circumferential pinion having teeth. The inner annular flange has a rotary ring with lateral teeth meshing with the circumferential pinions. The first locking bolt ends have receptacles for a rotary tool for rotating the locking bolts about the bolt axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Rudiger Grimmel
  • Patent number: 6322273
    Abstract: Joint restraint assembly for connecting pipes which includes a substantially annular body, at least one segment, and at least one bolt. The annular body is configured to fit around a pipe and has at least one pocket formed adjacent the pipe and at least one bore disposed through the body into the pocket. The segment is configured to fit in the pocket. The bolt extends through the bore engaging the segment abutting same against the pipe. In addition, the bolt has a stop ring formed thereon limiting the length the bolt can extend through the bore to a defined length sufficient for retaining the annular body around the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Ford Meter Box Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachary J. Gentile, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6308495
    Abstract: A leveling or elevational positional adjustment system comprises a leg frame member, a leg extension member, and a leg extension stop member. The leg frame member comprises an external corner component having a substantially arcuate configuration, and an internal cross-plate component disposed across the interior of the corner component. The leg extension member has an arcuate cross-sectional configuration essentially matching that of the external corner component of the leg frame member so as to be disposed in surface-to-surface contact with the external corner component of the leg frame member when the leg extension is inserted into the leg frame member, and the leg extension stop member has an external arcuate cross-sectional configuration also substantially matching that of the leg extension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Sambuca, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6299180
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism for clamping a cutting head to an adaptor; the adaptor having a shank receiving bore and three forwardly slanted unthreaded through bores; the cutting head for clamping to the adaptor having a shank with three forwardly slanted threaded bores. The arrangement being such that with the shank inserted into the shank receiving bore the cutting head is clamped to the adaptor by three retaining screws which pass through the unthreaded through bores and are threadingly engaged by the threaded bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Iscar Ltd.
    Inventors: Amir Satran, Andrei Petrilin
  • Patent number: 6292959
    Abstract: A support structure for beds and the like is described comprising a plurality of components which are easily secured together in a minimum amount of time. The scaffold or support is comprised of a pair of floor cross supports, four vertical legs, a pair of lower cross supports, a pair of left end supports, a pair of right end supports, bed cross pieces, a pair of ceiling beams, and a pair of upper cross supports. When assembled, the floor space beneath the support structure is available for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Terry L. Rosenquist
  • Patent number: 6290192
    Abstract: An adjustable receiver tube includes an elongated tube having a flat resilient strap extending within the tube from the upper end of the cylindrical side wall. A flange at the bottom of the tube will support an IV pole within the tube, and a threaded shaft threaded through an aperture in the side of the tube will move the strip into engagement with an IV pole to hold the pole snugly within the receiver tube. A cushion is preferably mounted in the tube on the flange, to frictionally engage the lower end of the IV pole and prevent rotation, horizontal movement, and prevent damage to the lower end of the IV pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Loyd R. Messerli
  • Patent number: 6273372
    Abstract: A versatile sway brace fitting, includes a pair of spaced jaws, for firmly and deformingly gripping a brace, and a method for manufacturing the fitting. The fitting can withstand substantial loads and is adaptable to receive a variety of braces such as bracing pipes, angle irons, channels, plates, among others. The fitting includes a set screw, preferably angled, and a sharp-cornered recess which assist in resisting withdrawal of the brace from the jaws. The method of manufacturing is desirably simple and expeditious, thereby ensuring that the fitting is inexpensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Tolco Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard W. Heath
  • Patent number: 6264394
    Abstract: A flanged connector for removably fastening an elongate rod or tube to a flat surface has two modes of operation. The connector has a flange with a flat bottom and a tubular member extending up from the base. In a first mode, the flanged base is fastened to the surface with the tubular member upstanding to receive the rod in a central passage. A threaded aperture in the wall of the tubular member receives a set screw that advances transversely through the wall to engage the rod and secure it in place. In a second mode, the connector is inverted and mounted below the support surface with the flat face of the base in a common plane with the support surface. A set screw that passes at an acute angle to the passage axis extends from the flat face to the central passage to secure the rod. When the rod is removed, the support surface is unobstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Feleppa
  • Patent number: 6250835
    Abstract: A pole or the like formed by an anchoring member and a vertical member which are linked by a linking piece having a zone of lower resistance to force. Block members are provided at the opposite ends of the anchoring member and the vertical member each of which has a central bore for receiving the linking piece and at least one of the block members has a surface slopping from its center towards it periphery such that a space between the opposite block members is greater at the periphery of the pole than at its center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Didier Chamel
  • Patent number: 6216413
    Abstract: A collapsible post structure having a fragile region that allows the post to collapse when the latter is struck. The post structure includes an elongated anchoring member. The anchoring member having an anchoring member hollow section that extends longitudinally into one longitudinal end thereof and defining an anchoring member inner surface. The post structure also includes an elongated supporting member. The supporting member having a supporting member hollow section that extends longitudinally into one longitudinal end thereof and defining a supporting member inner surface. The post structure further includes a connecting component, the connecting component having a connecting component first section and a connecting component second section. The connecting component first section and the connecting component second section are configured and sized so as to be respectively insertable into the anchoring member hollow section and the supporting member hollow section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Jean Lapointe
  • Patent number: 6213452
    Abstract: A support post for a railing system comprises a base plate adapted to engage and support a vinyl support post at the base thereof and an interior support column located interior to the vinyl post. The support column is coupled to the base plate to form a high strength connection therewith. The upper end of the support column includes an arrangement for vertical adjustment of the vinyl support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: GSW Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick M. Pettit, Michael E. Cook
  • Patent number: 6206085
    Abstract: The combination of a heat exchanger and support structure for the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a first tube sheet having a planar mounting flange which has at least one opening formed therein. The opening defines an edge facing in a predetermined direction. A second tube sheet has a second planar mounting flange which also has at least one opening formed therein, which defines an edge facing in the same predetermined direction. The two tube sheets are spaced from one another with the first and second mounting flanges lying in substantially the same plane. The support structure includes a first planar support surface adapted to receive the flange of the first tube sheet in parallel confronting relationship. The support surface has integrally formed therein an upstanding structural protrusion, which includes a root section and an upper enlarged section, which is configured to pass through the openings in the first flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Carne Correa
  • Patent number: 6202282
    Abstract: An elongated tubular metal body includes a longitudinally extending wedge portion having converging inner wedging surfaces defining an included angle of less than seventy degrees for receiving the end portions of concrete reinforcing bars. A series of longitudinally spaced threaded holes are formed within the tubular body in opposing relation to the wedge portion, and a socket head set screw or a shear head screw is threaded into each hole. The screws have conical pointed tips for penetrating a bar when the screws are tightened to a predetermined torque, and the screws force the outer ribs on the bar into the tubular body. In one embodiment, a section of cylindrical seamless tubing of ductile steel is cold-forged or deformed within a die set to form the tubular body with a generally diamond-shaped cross-sectional configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Barsplice Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Holdsworth
  • Patent number: 6172319
    Abstract: A mount for interposition between an electrode holder and an electrode for electrical discharge machining (EDM). The mount is cast from material such as aluminum or zinc. The mount has a shank portion that is connectable to the electrode holder and a connector portion or tip portion that is connectable to the electrode. The tip portion has a gluing surface that is dimensioned to be glued with a corresponding surface on the electrode. A plurality of deformable ears cast onto the gluing surface of the mount project outward and deform in contact with the electrode when the electrode and the mount are connected and bonded by glue, to thereby provide good electrical contact therebetween. The tip portion may also include grooves cast therein for receiving glue thereby improving the glue bond strength between the electrode and the mount. The mount includes an axial passage to provide for dielectric fluid flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Franzen
  • Patent number: 6148690
    Abstract: A cam follower mounting assembly in which a cam follower has a cam follower stud that is not threadedly mounted to a mounting plate, but rather, is secured to the mounting plate via a set screw having a spherical tip that securably interfaces with a complementary annular groove in the cam follower stud. The annular groove is located near an end of the cam follower stud opposite the follower wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Company
    Inventors: Craig Schander, Lou M. Wozniak, Gary Sullwold, Kevin Mues, Patrick Tibbits
  • Patent number: 6142485
    Abstract: A chuck for rotary tools with a cylindrical chucking shank encloses such shank with a basic body. A radial through-hole in basic body serves to receive a clamping screw which applies pressure to a clamping member which is seated inside a through-hole between the clamping screw and chucking shank. A clamping member is provided with a radial projection and the through-hole with a cross-sectional narrowing along its inner end. In between the radial projection and the narrowing is an elastically compressible spring element which, due to its return force, lifts the clamping element away from the chucking shank and pushes it back into the through-hole when it is not under tension from the clamping screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: Gebhard Muller, Michael Schuffenhauer, Martin Prey
  • Patent number: 6129479
    Abstract: A positioning clamp with a ring-shaped base body and at least one substantially radial clamping mechanism associated with the base body. The base body (2) is formed as a deep-drawing part (31) and provided with a pocket (8) which is formed concurrently during deep-drawing, for at least partially receiving the substantially radial clamping mechanism (9). In addition, a method for making a positioning clamp is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen-und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Kurt Allert
  • Patent number: 6109619
    Abstract: A method for gripping such objects as tool bits and other implements is an extension of principles employed by tool holders currently in use, which grip at one (primary) position along the shank length. This invention provides auxiliary gripping, or what I hereinafter call "back up gripping" at one or more positions in addition to the primary gripping position. A universal tool holder or handle is presented as one embodiment of the invention. The holder is an elongated cylindrical sleeve one end of which contains a gripping mechanism utilizing back up gripping. The other end of the holder allows for insertion of a strike rod which, when making contact internally with the gripped tool, transmits to the tool the impact of hammer blows made against the outer end of the rod. The gripping mechanism of the embodiment is comprised of two pairs of traversely adjustable screws which serve as jaws or grips. Each pair of jaws grips the shank in an orientation different from the gripping by the other pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Seymour H. Fine
  • Patent number: 6105989
    Abstract: A device for eliminating rattle in a receiver-type hitch due to movement between hitch components includes a collar, an adjustment bolt, a lock nut and a second nut. The collar has a center wall and two side walls forming a U-shaped bracket that can fit over a reinforcing lip of the hitch receiver tube. A front wall on the collar has an opening for receiving a mount shank as it enters the receiver tube. An adjustment bolt extends through the center wall to tighten the collar onto the hitch receiver tube. When the adjustment bolt is tightened, the center wall of the collar moves away upward away from the receiver tube, causing the opening in the front wall to lift the shank against the inner wall of the tube and prevent it from moving within the tube. The lock nut then holds the entire anti-rattle assembly into position. Thus, the anti-rattle device prevents hitch rattling with a minimum of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Valley Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Don F. Linger
  • Patent number: 6092956
    Abstract: A locking device for clamping onto a shaft is composed of a collar and a ring fitted onto the shaft. The collar has an end wall and an axial region extending over an outer inclined contact surface of the ring. The ring and the collar end wall have inner surfaces confronting the outer surface of the shaft which are separated by sliding radial surfaces of the collar and the ring. Screw-threaded elements set in threaded bores in the axial region of the collar can be tightened against the outer surface of the ring to cause contact zones of the inner surfaces to exert clamping force on the shaft at diametrically opposed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: NSK-RHP European Technology Co., Limited
    Inventor: George Swinley
  • Patent number: 6076991
    Abstract: An end cap system for scaffolding planks, especially for hollow core planks. The end cap includes an extrusion having a plank-receiving portion on one side and a rib profile on the other for slidingly receiving scaffolding hooks. The end cap permits similar parts to be used for a wide variety of plank widths and allows for replacement of damaged hooks or the exchange of hook configurations. In the most preferred embodiment, the hooks are fixed to the end cap, such as by a set screw, after they are slidingly located at the desired position. The end caps may be used with either "high" or "low" hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Safway Steel Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stig Karlsen, Roger Frank
  • Patent number: 6074121
    Abstract: A vibration-tolerant torque limiting fastening lug whereupon tightening of the set-screw produces a parasitic torque at the thread plane defining the set-screw/housing interface. The resultant parasitic torque acts in opposite direction to the installation torque such that the actual torque below the thread plane is less than the installation torque. As a result, the tensile force experienced by the set-screw and which acts against the housing of the lug is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Jay C. Medeiros, Gregory C. Marik, James E. Boettcher, Harry C. Mathis
  • Patent number: 6068282
    Abstract: An improved tilt-bed trailer constructed of light weight and durable materials is disclosed. A trailer frame with an associated rotatably interconnected tongue is affixed with a tongue release and retention mechanism that slidably engages a portion of the tongue and a portion of the frame to hold them in a fixed position when engaged and to allow the frame to pivot with respect to the tongue when disengaged. The mechanism utilizes gripping members to cooperate with ridges on the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Wayne G. Floe
  • Patent number: 6053656
    Abstract: A fastener device for arresting a hub of a vehicle steering wheel to one end of a steering shaft includes a non-rotatable shaft/hub connection between the hub and the end of the steering shaft and an annular spring element which forms an interlocking fit between the hub and the steering shaft. The interlocking fit is effective in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft. The steering shaft comprises a raised face, the face surface area of which facing away from the steering wheel continues into a smaller shaft diameter. The spring element comprises an inner diameter which is smaller with respect to the outer diameter of the raised face. The spring element is radially pliable over at least a part of its axial length and can be fitted over the steering shaft together with the hub and reaches behind the raised face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Heilig
  • Patent number: 6044573
    Abstract: A measuring device including a gage having a dial, a pointer associated with the dial, and an actuator stem operatively coupled to the pointer; and a coupling mechanism having a connector portion detachably secured to the actuator stem; and a receiver portion defining a recess having first and second longitudinally extending, transversely spaced apart and parallel support surfaces. Also included is a probe pin disposed in the recess, the probe pin being longitudinally aligned with and supported by the first and second support surfaces; and a retainer mechanism exerting on the probe pin a force directed toward the first and second support surfaces. The coupling mechanism permits use of the gage with diametric gage pins selected from commercially available sets of such pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Huston G. Cockrill
  • Patent number: 6029534
    Abstract: Manually-operated remote-control device, especially hydraulic manipulator, comprising: a body (1) containing at least one moving signal-generating member, controlled by a push-rod (2) projecting above the body (1) and movable by a rocking cam (4) fixed to the top of the body (1); means (5) of rotary articulation, comprising a fixed clevis mount (5a) secured to the body (1) and a moving clevis mount (5b) secured to the cam (4), these clevis mounts (5a, 5b) being coupled together so as to allow the cam (4) to rock with respect to the body (1); a base (6) secured to this cam and supporting an operating handgrip (7); characterized in that the moving clevis mount (5b) of the articulation means, the cam (4) and the base (6) are constructed in the form of a single monobloc component (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Rexroth S.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Fernandez
  • Patent number: 6000187
    Abstract: A connection structure capable of coping with thermal expansion and shrinkage of a cable/pipe bed is disclosed. There are also disclosed a connector panel (30) and a connector belt or wire (40) to be utilized in the connection structure. A cable/pipe bed which utilizes the present invention comprises a plurality of cable/pipe bed sections (10a, 10b) each comprising two side rails (20a, 20b) and a floor (51, 52). Each side rail comprises an outer engagement protrusion or protrusions (21) to engage an inner engagement protrusion or protrusions (31) of the connector panel (30). The connector panel (30) holds two such side rails (20a, 20b) in longitudinal alignment, one (20a) securely and the other (20b) slidably to cope with thermal expansion and shrinkage of the side rails. Accidental separation of the side rails (20a, 20b) is adequately prevented by use of the connector belt or wire (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Mirai Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shohachi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5993101
    Abstract: This is invention is directed to a shaft coupling for coupling a first shaft and a second shaft. The shaft coupling includes an outer ring for encasing one end of the first shaft and one end of the second shaft; a first pin provided in the outer ring and the first pin extending in a first direction; and a second pin provided in the outer ring and the second pin extending in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction; wherein the first shaft and the first pin are so set such that the end of the first shaft is movable along the first pin and the second shaft and the second pin are so set that the end of the second shaft is displaceable along the second pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironobu Kohno, Toshiaki Kusuda
  • Patent number: 5980150
    Abstract: A quarter turn toilet seat pin including a bolt with an elongated bolt with a bolt head, an end portion and a body member. The body member has a linear key way extending upwardly from the end portion. The linear key way has a top end with a side-lock key way. The side-lock key way has a slot. Also, a sleeve is provided and engages the bolt. The sleeve has an interior channel sized for receiving the body member of the bolt. The sleeve has an axial opening that is in receipt of a threaded nipple. The threaded nipple projects from the opening and into the interior of the sleeve for engaging the linear key way as the bolt being slid into the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Richard G. Newman, Thelma D. Newman, Marina Ann Wright
  • Patent number: 5974761
    Abstract: A sleeve for splicing together reinforcing bars disposed in an opposing, end-to-end relationship comprising a tubular shell member provided with opposing end walls, a grout port provided in the tubular shell for adding grout to the interior of the tubular shell, apertures provided in the end walls for receiving the reinforcing bars from opposite ends thereof, a plurality of supporting projections integrally formed with the tubular shell and extending from one side of the tubular shell, fixing means adapted to be inserted into the tubular shell on longitudinally opposite sides from the supporting projections and intermediate the supporting projections for fastening the reinforcing bar to the supporting projections, the supporting projections being formed, in cross section, with a recess for receiving the reinforcing bar coaxial to the tubular shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventors: Hitoshi Mochizuki, Takayuki Nihei
  • Patent number: 5957615
    Abstract: A system for removably and mechanically locking a sleeve on a driveshaft includes at least one peripheral groove comprising a bearing face on the driveshaft. At least one peripheral slot on the sleeve forms a chamber in the internal peripheral wall of the sleeve and includes a bearing face. At least one wedge-forming element can move more or less radially within the chamber between a position retracted inside the housing to allow the shaft to be slipped into the sleeve, and a position partially protruding from said chamber in which said element is designed to bear on the bearing face of the groove and on the bearing face of the chamber 34. Means for moving the movable wedge-forming element move the wedge-forming element radially inward, from outside the sleeve, in order to lock the sleeve on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventor: Michel Orain
  • Patent number: 5934155
    Abstract: A pedal crank and bottom bracket bearing axle mounting arrangement in which the bottom bracket bearing axle has a dovetail coupling block at each end; the pedal crank has a dovetail groove at one side near one end which receives the dovetail coupling block at one end of the bottom bracket bearing axle, a sloping hand hole adjacent to the dovetail groove, a screw hole in communication between the dovetail groove and the sloping hand hole, and a tightening up screw threaded into the screw hole and fastened tight to force the inserted dovetail coupling block into engagement with the upper half of the dovetail groove and to hold down the inserted dovetail coupling block in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Ching-Jum Lai
  • Patent number: 5909980
    Abstract: An elongated tubular metal body includes a longitudinally extending wedge portion having converging inner wedging surfaces defining an included angle of less than seventy degrees for receiving the end portions of concrete reinforcing bars. A series of longitudinally spaced threaded holes are formed within the tubular body in opposing relation to the wedge portion, and a socket head set screw or a shear head screw is threaded into each hole. The screws have conical pointed tips for penetrating a bar when the screws are tightened to a predetermined torque, and the screws force the outer ribs on the bar into the tubular body. In one embodiment, a section of cylindrical seamless tubing of ductile steel is cold-forged or deformed within a die set to form the tubular body with a generally diamond-shaped cross-sectional configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Barsplice Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Holdsworth
  • Patent number: 5906450
    Abstract: A short in-line turnbuckle having telescoping threaded parts and including grip screw locking structure to apply frictional forces to prevent relative rotation of the turnbuckle parts once the turnbuckle is adjusted to the desired length. In one embodiment a swivel connector element is provided for the turnbuckle. In another embodiment, a set screw acts against a threaded bolt of the turnbuckle structure while a separate lock screw provides a frictional force on separated sidewall portions of the turnbuckle to selectively prevent relative rotation of the threaded turnbuckle parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Gim Shek Ng
  • Patent number: 5899506
    Abstract: A confining ring set suiting wider range of diameters of pipes, wherein a "C" shaped confining ring is provided at three locations thereon with three screw holes equidistantly spaced with one another, each screw hole is provided with a screw therein pointing at the center of a chamber of the confining ring, the chamber is fitted therein with an external annulus which in turn is fitted therein with an inner annulus; the external and inner annuli have "C" shaped openings, an internally extended annular rib is provided on the top of the inner annulus, and an externally extended annular rib is provided on the top of the external annulus, the annular ribs are both provided with notches thereon to scatter stress, the confining ring set having the external and inner annuli can be used to confine pipes of a wider range of diameters, for the smaller pipes, three screws on ring set and effect of confining can thus be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Shao-Chien Tseeng
  • Patent number: 5895168
    Abstract: A beater holder mounting structure includes a holder base fixedly fastened to a polygonal shaft of a pedal unit of a base drum, and a retainer block hooked up with the holder base to secure the stem of a beater to the holder base, the holder base and the retainer block each have a multiple-face through hole nto which the stem of the beater is inserted and fixed by tightening up screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: HWA Shin Musical Instrument Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsun-Chi Liao
  • Patent number: 5860253
    Abstract: A collapsible post structure having a frangible region that allows the post to collapse when the latter is struck. The post structure includes an elongated anchoring member. The anchoring member having an anchoring member hollow section that extends longitudinally into one longitudinal end thereof and defining an anchoring member inner surface. The post structure also includes an elongated supporting member. The supporting member having a supporting member hollow section that extends longitudinally into one longitudinal end thereof and defining a supporting member inner surface. The post structure further includes a connecting component, the connecting component having a connecting component first section and a connecting component second section. The connecting component first section and the connecting component second section are configured and sized so as to be respectively insertable into the anchoring member hollow section and the supporting member hollow section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Jean Lapointe